Thursday night, at The Baseball Grounds, the Jacksonville Suns opened the 2007 season against the Tennessee Smokies. A diverse crowd of 10,417 was on hand to enjoy one of Downtown Jacksonville’s most affordable and universally appealing entertainment options.

The Suns fell to the Smokies 3 to 1 by stranding runners on base all night. For a moment, in the ninth inning, it seemed they might put together a late rally. Trailing 3 to 0, newcomer Cory Dunlap hit a rocket homer into the right field bleachers. After an untimely walk by the Smokies pitcher the Suns tying run came to the plate. The drama was short lived as the remaining batters were retired easily and the Smokies took the game. But it was drama enough to make it a satisfying evening and an enjoyable beginning to the season.

The Suns opened the season on the popular promotion night Thirsty Thursday. I anticipated that they would forgo the dollar beers on opening night. I was wrong. The younger Thursday night set showed up for the beers and socializing on the mezzanine. They mixed amiably with the Little Leaguers and hardball purist.

The Suns seem to have a promotion for just about every demographic. Friday Fireworks for the kids (and my wife.) Thirsty Thursday for the hip kids and the workin’ man. Wednesday is Family feast night with fifty cent hot dogs and sodas and they have business persons games throughout the season at lunchtime.

Suns 2007 Schedule

tags: jacksonville, suns